Assault on Mako Reactor No. 1
Items:
Potions (x3)
Phoenix Down
Restore Materia
After meeting several members of the rebel group known as AVALANCHE, Cloud joins their effort to bomb Shinra's Mako Reactor No. 1. Shinra's forces heavily guard the plant, so the group hijacks a train bound for the adjacent slums.
The guards at the station are easily overpowered as the mission quickly gets underway. Cloud exits the train and follows the rest of the team off the platform. Make sure you check the downed guards to collect two Potions. Before Cloud can reach the end of the platform, two MPs initiate combat.
But don't worry, this is one of the few time Cloud has to fight alone. Even so, the MPs aren't much of a threat. Cloud and his companions are more than a match for most of the enemies you'll face in the Mako reactor. After the battle, follow Cloud's companions to the reactor gate and then into the reactor itself.
Battle Tip:
In most of the early battles, you'll on use your character's normal attacks. You can cut down the selection time by holding the O button as a character's Time Bar finishes filling. This automatically selects your normal attack and the closest enemy.
Two security doors block the only passage in or out of the Mako reactor. Speak with Biggs and Jessie and they'll open the gates. Don't enter the elevator just ahead until after you've picked up the Phoenix Down in the control room to the right.
Follow Jessie out of the elevator and into the reactor. After giving you a quick lessen on using ladders, she steps aside as you continue deeper into the factory. Make sure you grab the Potion resting just in from of Jessie's sentry position.
Note:
The party will find many useful items like the Potion item lying around different area of the game. Keep your eyes open or Cloud may run right past one.
Battle Tip:
Some enemies have a weakness or immunity to at least one type of element. Lice-based creatures falter against fire, but are healed by any type of ice-based attack. In this area of the game, you'll run into several mechanical enemies, like the Sweeper. You can shout-circuit these motored menaces with the Bolt Spell.
After traveling a little further, the party encounters tougher enemies. Plus, you get your first chance to save your game. Step on the Save Point, access the Menu, and then choose Save. You should also use the opportunity to heal the party before moving onward.
As Cloud approaches the Mako reactor, he finds a Restore Materia on the floor - unfortunately he can't do anything with it right now. This is another good example of kind of Materia that can be found lying around.
When you approach the reactor, Barret makes Cloud plant the charges. After the attempted interception of the mysterious voice, Cloud happily obliges. Unfortunately, their actions trigger an alarm that alerts Shinra's forces to their presence.
Boss Fight: Guard Scorpion
Although the Guard Scorpion has some deadly attacks, Cloud and Barret's combined strength should be more than enough to punch its ticket.
Start the battle by having Cloud pummel the Scorpion (another mechanical creature) with constant Bolt spells while Barret uses his normal attack.
Battle Tip:
Keep your eye on Cloud and Barret's hit points (HP). If either falls below 100, use Potion to head them.
After several attacks, the Guard Scorpion raises its tail and begins to shake violently, at which point Cloud warns Barret to be careful. When this occurs, stop your attacks. Attacking the boss during this time period causes it to counterattack with its super weapon, the Tail Laser. This move causes close to 75 points of damage to both characters. When the Boss returns to its normal stance, continue your regular attack pattern.
The Guard Scorpion is easily destroyed, but the fight costs the team precious time. Cloud now has only 10 minutes to evacuate the Mako reactor before the bomb explodes.
Before running for the exit, quickly equip Barret with the Assault Gun that the boss leaves behind. You may want to save on your way out just in case something unexpected occurs.
Notes:
The timer runs continuously, so you need to quickly finish your battle. If time is short, you can run from your enemies by hold R1 and L1.
As Cloud makes his way through the pipes and support structures, he finds Jessie stuck where he had left her. Help Jessie release her foot and then follow her to the exit. If you fail to rescue Jessie, you won't be able to open the security doors above.
When you reach the security doors, speak with Jessie and Biggs again- they'll release the locks for you. If you made it to this location quickly- and the party is still in good health- use this time to fight some enemies in the area. This is a great opportunity for the characters to easily gain a level. In addition, they ill be fully healed when they get outside. When you're ready, run Cloud out of the area and watch Mako Reactor No. ! burn.
Congratulations on your first successful mission! However, the fight against Shinra has only just begun. There are numerous Mako reactors and AVALANCHE's forces are sparse. This will be a battle not easily won.